AGP Executive Report

UN Secretary-General race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett is narrowly leading after a second UN Security Council straw poll, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi close behind—while Tonga’s Ivonne Baki has entered the field calling for a Security Council overhaul and a more conflict-focused UN chief. Tonga politics: Tākuta Ferris has formally launched an independent bid for Te Tai Tonga, saying the “pathway has required change” and pledging a people-centred kaupapa. US–China dispute over trafficking claims: US and Chinese embassies in Tonga have clashed over reports alleging an arranged-marriage syndicate recruited Tongan women to China under promises that later allegedly fell apart. Visa costs hit travellers: A Tonga-based US visa agent says the US Visa Bond Program and the need to travel to Fiji for interviews are pushing families to the edge, with bond amounts up to US$15,000. Water security in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher salt levels in groundwater in parts of Lifuka and Foa, raising long-term freshwater pressure concerns. Local community sport: The NRL home straight is on with three rounds left and finals spots still up for grabs, including Storm vs Panthers and Roosters vs Tigers.

UN Leadership Race: A second closed-door UN Security Council straw poll shows Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett narrowly ahead as the race to replace Antonio Guterres enters a new phase, with at least nine “encourage” votes needed and no veto from any permanent member. Tonga’s UN Link: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki—formally nominated by Tonga—has called for a major Security Council overhaul and a more conflict-focused UN chief role. Pacific Recycling: Grassroots recyclers across the Pacific are pushing for a bigger say in recycling decisions, warning they’re often treated as “stakeholders” despite decades of on-the-ground work. US Travel Curbs: Tonga-based travel agent accounts highlight the impact of the US Visa Bond Program, with bonds and travel costs making family travel for funerals and reunions harder. Tonga Water Watch: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai finds higher salt levels in parts of Foa and Lifuka, raising fresh concerns for long-term freshwater supplies. Sports & Culture: Samoa World Cup hopes get a boost from NRL winger Mathew Feagai, while Tonga Language Week continues with Folau’s new Tongan-language tribute song.

UN Secretary-General race: Tonga-backed Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki is calling for a Security Council overhaul, arguing the council’s structure no longer fits today’s world and fuels deadlock—while a second informal straw poll keeps the spotlight on who can win Security Council backing without a veto. Pacific security & influence: A report says China has “very likely” run a targeted campaign across the Pacific to push local development plans to align with Beijing’s latest five-year strategy, using embassy outreach and media. Water security in Tonga: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai found higher salt levels in Foa and parts of Lifuka, raising fresh concerns about long-term freshwater pressure as climate change bites. Community & environment: A juvenile long-nosed fur seal was rescued in Tonga and safely returned to the open ocean after local help and specialist remote guidance. Tonga culture & identity: A Tongan Language Week feature highlights artist Folau turning grief into a new song in Lea faka-Tonga, a tribute to his grandparents. Sports (regional): Oceania kids’ athletics training wrapped in the Solomon Islands, with Tonga among the participants bringing the World Athletics curriculum back to schools. Travel & tourism (South Pacific): Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 sets sail on a 77-day route linking Australia, the South Pacific and Easter Island.

UN Secretary-General race (Tonga-linked): Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki, nominated by Tonga, says the UN Security Council needs a major overhaul, arguing its structure no longer matches today’s world and fuels deadlock—she also pledged a more conflict-focused role beyond New York. Pacific water security: Tonga Geological Services reports higher salt levels in groundwater in parts of Ha’apai, including Foa and central/northern Lifuka, warning this could add long-term pressure to freshwater supplies as climate change reshapes water resources. Drought deepens in Tonga: The Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded meteorological drought declarations as El Niño brings very dry conditions, with Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua under drought declarations and other islands moving through alert levels. Coastal disaster readiness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is helping strengthen Tonga’s coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to make forecasts more useful for households and communities. Community & culture: A Tonga Language Week tribute story highlights how Tongan artist Folau turned grief into a new song in Lea faka-Tonga, while a separate Pacific-focused piece looks at community-led ways to bring stories to public spaces. Wildlife rescue: A juvenile long-nosed fur seal was successfully returned to the open ocean after a community-led rescue in Tonga.

UN Secretary-General race: The UN Security Council is set for another straw poll Friday as eight contenders vie to replace Antonio Guterres, with Ivonne Baki (nominated by Tonga) among the latest entrants and the US clashing with the UNGA president over demands for transparency in a process critics say is too secretive. Tonga water stress: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai has found higher salt levels in Foa and parts of Lifuka, raising fresh alarms for long-term freshwater pressure as climate change reshapes Tonga’s water resources. El Niño drought outlook: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations across island groups, warning of possible well-water drying, higher pumping costs, and knock-on impacts for crops, livestock, and household income. Pacific energy security: Fiji and Tonga are exploring alternative fuel supply partnerships, with Tonga signing a feasibility study agreement to strengthen fuel security. Coastal risk research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is helping improve coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to translate cyclone forecasts into practical warnings for communities. Community sport in Tonga: Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers are set for Tonga from Sept 14–18, with Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji and PNG chasing two World Cup spots. Culture and language: Tongan artist Folau turns grief into a Lea faka-Tonga tribute song during Tongan Language Week.

UN Leadership Race: Tonga-backed Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki is pushing for Security Council reform, arguing the current structure leaves Africa without permanent representation and fuels “council paralysis,” as another informal straw poll nears. Energy Security: Fiji and Tonga are both hunting alternative fuel supply partners after recent global disruptions—Fiji talks with Malaysia and Korea, while Tonga signs a feasibility study agreement funded by the US Trade and Development Agency. Climate & Water: Tonga Met expands drought declarations as a strong El Niño brings very dry conditions, warning of falling water supplies, stressed agriculture, and knock-on health risks. Disaster Readiness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems to make cyclone impacts clearer for households. Community & Culture: Take The Lead Tonga opens a Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa to help young Tongans turn ideas into community projects. Sports in Tonga: Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers come to Tonga from Sept 14–18, with Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji and PNG chasing two World Cup spots.

El Niño Water Crunch: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded meteorological drought declarations, warning of very dry conditions through Aug–Oct and possible worsening in the north, with risks to household water, groundwater, farming, livestock and food security. Storm Prep Research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to move from cyclone track forecasts to clearer impacts for homes and infrastructure. Community Resilience: A juvenile long-nosed fur seal was rescued by Tonga community members and partners, then safely returned to open ocean after specialist guidance. Sports & Tonga on the World Stage: Tonga’s World Cup hopes get a boost as talks continue about former NRL half Talatau Amone being cleared to play for Tonga. UN Spotlight: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN Secretary-General, as Security Council members prepare another round of voting. Health Watch: Separate from Tonga, Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case, a reminder to tackle standing water after flooding. Youth & Social Impact: Take The Lead Tonga opened a new Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa to help young Tongans turn ideas into community initiatives.

El Niño Watch: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations across Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, with Niuatoputapu and Vava’u also on alert, warning of depleted groundwater, higher water costs, weaker crops and rising health risks as dry conditions intensify. Youth & Social Impact: Take The Lead Tonga opened a new Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa to help young Tongans turn ideas into community projects, backed by the Australian High Commission. Sports & Pride: Tonga’s World Cup hopes get a boost as talks continue over former NRL half Talatau Amone’s possible return to represent Tonga after his Queensland Cup form. Safeguarding in Sport: The Pacific Mini Games safeguarding initiative in Palau recorded 11 cases last year, with most victims girls and women, as organisers push for better reporting and protection. UN Leadership Race: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN secretary-general, as Security Council members prepare another round of voting. Human Stories: A Tonga-linked oceanography researcher, Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki, reflects on how Cyclone Isaac shaped his work on coastal inundation early warning across the Pacific.

UN Spotlight: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki as a candidate for the next UN Secretary-General, making her the eighth contender to replace Antonio Guterres, with the race still open and another Security Council straw poll expected. Climate & Water: Tonga Meteorological Service has expanded drought declarations as El Niño brings very dry conditions, with Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua under declaration, Niuatoputapu under warning, and Vava’u and Niuafo’ou on alert—raising risks for water supplies, farming and household incomes. Energy Reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu, with repairs expected to take about two weeks and new units being installed as the country pushes its renewable energy transition. Youth & Social Impact: Take The Lead Tonga opened a new Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa to help young Tongans turn ideas into community initiatives, supported by the Australian High Commission. Governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has sworn in a “renewed blood” Cabinet, appointing new Ministers for Infrastructure, Finance and Health following court-linked removals. Regional Health Watch: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, reminding Pacific communities to reduce standing water after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Sports Media: Rugby League World Cup 2026 coverage in the UK and Ireland will move to subscription TV via Premier Sports after the BBC opted out.

Tonga Energy Reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised to Tongatapu electricity users after a major generator failure triggered rotational power outages, with repairs expected to take about two weeks and two new generator units being installed, as the country pushes toward more renewable power but still faces reliability gaps. Tonga Governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua swore in three new ministers in a “renewed blood” Cabinet reshuffle after court action removed two previous ministers, appointing Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health). Flood Readiness: Tonga’s Tongatapu is named as a pilot area for operational impact-based flood forecasting, alongside Fiji’s Ba Catchment, as Pacific services train to improve flood early warning and make sure alerts reach people in time. Pacific Rugby League: Fiji officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, with a major Australian-backed push from schools to elite pathways. UN Leadership: Tonga nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki as a candidate for UN secretary-general, adding to a growing field ahead of the 2027 start date. Regional Health Alert: Hawaii reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven, with officials urging residents to remove standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding.

Tonga Energy & Reliability: Tonga Power Limited has apologised to Tongatapu electricity users after a major generator failure triggered rotational outages, with repairs expected to take about two weeks and two new generator units being installed. Tonga Inflation Watch: Tonga’s annual inflation jumped to 9.3% in July, driven by big rises in transport, housing, water, electricity and gas, plus higher restaurant prices. Tonga Cabinet Shake-up: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has sworn in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as “renewed blood” brings fresh faces after court-linked removals. Regional Rugby League: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, with a $250m Australian-backed push for school and community rugby league. Tongan Culture & Identity: Tongan Language Week is underway, with events in Tonga and overseas, including a Wellington church service celebrating language and heritage. Tongan Arts: Tongan artist Folau released new single “Mamahi Moe Kona” ahead of Tongan Language Week, drawing on grief and Pacific soul. Pacific Flood Preparedness: Tonga’s Tongatapu is named as a pilot area for impact-based flood forecasting training in the Pacific, alongside Fiji’s Ba Catchment. Tonga on the World Stage: Tonga has nominated Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki to enter the race to lead the UN.

Tonga Cabinet shake-up: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says his new Cabinet brings “renewed blood” after court-linked removals, with Tevita Puloka taking Infrastructure, Sivoki Lavemaau moving into Finance, and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola returning to Health. Flood readiness for Tonga: Regional teams are training Pacific services on flood early warning, with Tongatapu named as a pilot site for impact-based forecasting alongside Fiji’s Ba Catchment. Pacific rugby league push: Fiji has formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, backed by a major Australian investment aimed at schools, safer community competitions, and Pacific-led talent pathways. Tongan identity in the spotlight: Tongan Language Week is underway, with Wellington church events and a new single from artist Folau, released ahead of the celebrations. Cost of living pressure: Tonga’s inflation hit 9.3% in July, driven by transport, housing and restaurant price rises. Tonga in the arts: Dr Sione Faletau has been appointed a permanent lecturer at the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, a homecoming tied to culture and representation.

Pacific Rugby League: Fiji has officially signed up to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, with Australia backing the push for school programs, violence-prevention and the first NRL and NRLW matches on Pacific island nations. Regional Security: A major Pacific illegal fishing operation flagged 16 vessels of interest, with four detained, after thousands of satellite detections and hundreds of inspections across 27.5 million square kilometres. Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 9.3% in July, driven hardest by transport (+23.3%) and big jumps in housing, water, electricity and gas (+32.2%), plus higher restaurant and hotel prices. Tonga Governance: Tonga swore in three new Cabinet ministers—Infrastructure (Tevita Puloka), Finance (Vika Sivoki Lavemaau) and Health (Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola)—as the PM moves to “renewed blood” after court-linked removals. Outer Islands Health: Tonga’s Navy rushed a medical team to ‘Eua overnight for a critically ill mother, with the operation reported successful. Fuel Security: A new feasibility study aims to boost Tonga’s fuel storage and tanker access to cut transport costs and protect supply.

Tonga Cabinet Shake-Up: Tonga has sworn in three new Ministers, with Tevita Fatafehi Puloka taking Infrastructure, Vika Sivoki Lavemaau moving to Finance, and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola returning to Health, following earlier vacancies tied to bribery findings. Digital Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, a milestone backed by Australia’s new cable investment meant to boost trade and access to services. Fuel Security Plan: Tonga is set to benefit from a USTDA-funded feasibility study for bigger fuel tankers, longer storage (up to 60 days), and better distribution to outer islands—aimed at cutting costs and protecting supply during disruptions. Health Focus: Vaiola Hospital has launched Tonga’s first breastfeeding policy under WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps,” targeting early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help reduce future NCD risk. Governance & Media Access: Tonga’s Government is facing questions after an 88.1FM reporter was reportedly blocked from a press conference, with the PM’s Office cited as the source of the instruction. Tourism & Culture: Tonga’s cultural tourism push continues, with demand for heritage experiences driving calls for more tourism sites and performance spaces.

Fuel Security & Costs: Tonga will get a USTDA-funded feasibility study to strengthen fuel security by exploring larger fuel tankers, boosting storage from about 15–20 days to around 60, and improving distribution to outer islands. Health & NCD Prevention: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aiming to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help curb obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Public Service Data Upgrade: Government agencies are working on better national data systems, with a workshop to improve collection, sharing, common definitions and reporting across ministries. Infrastructure Watch: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge project faces more delays and possible extra costs due to project management weaknesses and unresolved land issues. Tourism & Culture: Tonga’s cultural tourism push is gaining momentum, with the Ministry urging cultural groups to develop tourism sites and performance spaces. Local Business: Pacific Brewing Tonga is set to relaunch in Nuku’alofa under female Tongan ownership, with plans to rebuild the business and expand its Sparkling Kava range. Regional Sports & Pay: International Rugby League clarified match fees and tournament pay for Pacific players at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Drug Response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, including education, rehab facilities and stronger border cooperation.

Fuel security study for Tonga: A new feasibility study funded by the US Trade and Development Agency will look at bigger fuel tankers, boosting Tonga’s storage from about 15–20 days to around 60, and improving fuel distribution to outer islands—aimed at cutting supply costs and protecting consumers from shipping shocks. Health push against NCDs: Tonga’s Health Ministry has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” to raise early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, as Tonga tackles a heavy non-communicable disease burden. Fangaʻuta Bridge delays: PM Lord Fakafanua says further delays and possible extra costs are tied to contract obligations, project management weaknesses, and unresolved land issues, with leadership changes now underway. Public data systems: Government agencies are working on better collection and use of public-sector data, with support from SPC and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, to strengthen monitoring across education, health, infrastructure and growth. Pacific Brewing relaunch: Pacific Brewing Tonga is restarting in Nuku’alofa under female Tongan ownership and management, with a focus on jobs, local skills, and a planned Sparkling Kava range. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting continues in Samoa, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the session and priorities focused on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution.